Diabetes does not usually appear overnight and most people move through clear stages from risk to diagnosis to long term management, so knowing the stage helps you act early and avoid complications through food choices, activity, and medicines when needed. Major guidelines describe distinct stages for type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes, with specific blood tests to identify each stage clearly.
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What it is: Blood sugar and HbA1c are in the normal range, but some people have risk factors like family history, less activity, higher waist size, or a history of diabetes in pregnancy. The body’s insulin works normally and keeps glucose in the safe range after meals and overnight.
What the body feels: Usually no symptoms; energy and thirst are normal because glucose is entering cells well. Doctors advise routine screening if risk is high so rising sugar can be caught early.
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What it is: Blood sugar is above normal but not in the diabetes range, which signals insulin resistance where the body’s cells do not respond well to insulin. Common lab flags are fasting glucose that is mildly high or a raised HbA1c. Early action here can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.
What the body feels: Often no clear symptoms, but some people notice tiredness after meals or more hunger because glucose handling is less efficient. Weight around the waist tends to worsen insulin resistance.
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What it is: Blood sugar and HbA1c cross the diabetes threshold because insulin resistance has progressed and the pancreas is not keeping up with insulin demand. Diagnosis uses standard blood tests, after which a personal plan is made for food patterns, activity, and medicines.
What the body feels: Some people feel very thirsty, pass urine more often, lose weight without trying, or have blurry vision, but many feel nothing at first. Without treatment, high glucose harms blood vessels and nerves over time.
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What it is: Long term high glucose and related risks begin to damage organs like the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels, which is why regular checks are essential even when sugar seems stable. Doctors screen for eye changes, urine protein, nerve changes, feet problems, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
What the body feels: Possible numbness or burning in feet, poorer vision, slow wound healing, chest discomfort on effort, or swelling from kidney trouble; some complications are silent and only show up on tests, which is why yearly reviews are important.
(Disclaimer: This story is not for professional medical advice and does not substitute any medical advice. This story is strictly for educational purposes alone.)
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